WCCH's surgical team pictured with the new surgical robot. Innovative technology provides benefits to patients and providers

Wythe County Community Hospital (WCCH) announced today the hospital has launched its robotic surgery program with the arrival of a new surgical robot. The new, innovative technology assists specially-trained surgeons in specific surgical procedures for joint replacement surgery. 

Robotic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery – allows surgeons the ability to perform complex procedures with added precision, flexibility and control than with many conventional techniques. Patients may benefit from less pain, faster recovery times, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions and less noticeable scars.

“We are proud to offer innovative robotic technology to help enhance health outcomes for our patients,” said WCCH Chief Executive Officer Theresa Dix. “Robotic surgery is one of the many ways we are fulfilling our mission of Making Communities Healthier and providing the highest quality care close to home for those we serve.”

Robotic-assisted surgery utilizes a less invasive, muscle-sparing incision and provides precise intra-operative assessment of knee alignment and ligament function. This can improve knee joint stability and lessen soft tissue dissection, post-operative pain for patients and can result in quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays and reduced complications from blood loss and infection.

The robot, located tableside in the operating room, allows the orthopedic surgeon's hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise placement of instruments at the surgical site. The robot allows the surgeon to optimize placement of artificial implants by evaluating the final knee alignment and ligament tension prior to committing to a certain bone resection. In essence, recuts and outliers caused by imprecise bone cuts are eliminated by the use of this robotic technology.

“Robotic technology is transforming the way we perform surgeries at Wythe County Community Hospital,” said Bruce Byrd, M.D., a robotically-trained surgeon at WCCH. “Through this new, advanced tool, we are able to personalize surgery in a more precise way for each patient.”

While many patients are a candidate for robotic surgery, Dr. Byrd reminds patients to consult with their doctors about the best surgical method for their individual needs.

To learn more about WCCH’s surgical services program and technology, please visit WCCH.org. To find a robotically trained surgeon, call our Physician Referral Line at 800.424.DOCS. 

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About Wythe County Community Hospital

Wythe County Community Hospital, part of Lifepoint Health, is a leading hospital company dedicated to providing quality healthcare services close to home. A 100-bed, acute care community hospital, Wythe County Community Hospital offers a wide range of services including 24-hour Emergency Care, Surgical Services, Extended Care Services, Intensive Care, Women's Services, Radiology, Gastroenterology, Sleep Lab, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Hospice, Home Health, Cardiology, Respiratory, Cancer Services, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, Community, and WorkPoint Wellness Occupational Medicine. WCCH is fully accredited by TJC and we are an accredited Chest Pain Center, certified by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. For more information about Wythe County Community Hospital, please call 276.228.0200 or visit WCCH.org